12v Roof Top Air Conditioner Installation

rzabel

I recently completed the install of a Velit 12v roof top air conditioner in our 2008 Dutchman T@B. We had removed the old Cool Cat A/C because we never used it since it required us to be plugged in to shore power and we wanted the space for a better kitchen and a toilet. We boondock and go off road a fair amount and upgraded the trailer for that (see link to those upgrades). Overland Upgrades

We took the trailer to Baja and Mainland Mexico last winter and found quite a few times that it would be really nice to have air conditioning - for us and the dogs we travel with. We tried a portable unit and it was pretty worthless. I researched and settled on a Velit 2000 R Mini from eTrailer. Quiet, low profile, reasonably light, decent product support.

I had already upgraded the batteries to two each 100ah lithiums, but batteries have come along way in a short time, so I upgraded again to a single 320ah LiTime battery to replace the Battle Borns that I had. We recharge from the tow vehicle, portable solar panels or shore power.

I reinforced the roof to hold the extra weight of the A/C unit from the inside with 3/4" x 3" ribs of baltic birch ply with a center panel of 1/2" bb ply creating a space to run the large cables required. The supports are attached to each wall on top of shelving that I had installed previously. I used the baltic birch with teak accents and trim to match other upgrades to the cabinetry.

We haven't taken it out yet, but using it just in the shop has been impressive. It cools the space in minutes, is very quiet, and my Victron smart shunt indicates it can run on auto for 12 hours, more than I calculated and more than we really need.

We're going back to Mexico this winter, so we'll see how it performs in the heat and over the topes!